Clara’s question: I saw a kid’s shampoo called “Oopsy Daisy” on the Today Show. It claimed to be better for babies. Is this true?

The Right Brain’s baby babble:
Oopsy Daisy makes a line of baby products that include shampoos, moisturizers and bubble baths. The shampoo you asked about is called High Chair Hair Care.

High Chair Hair Care

Aside from the cute name, this product is interesting because it’s designed to be used without any additional water. It’s literally meant to be used in a high chair or where ever else you need to do a quick clean up.

How does it work?

The formula is based on decyl glucoside, a mild detergent. It also contains several grapefruit, orange, and vanilla extracts. Here’s what the Oopsy Daisy website has to say about the formula:

Contains no parabens, SLS, DEA, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals or harsh preservatives

Water

Aqua (purified water) is a highly purified UV filtered grade of water. The inclusion of such pure water enables us to use very safe, low levels of antimicrobial ingredients

Decyl polyglucose
Derived from sugar; mild and gentle cleanser.

Coco- betaine
Derived from coconut; safe, skin-friendly cleanser for both skin and hair that effectively removes surface oil, dirt and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skin

Vegetable glycerin
Derived from vegetable oil; humectant, emulsifier and skin softener.

Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus grandis)
Derived from grapefruit seeds; slightly anti-bacterial and cleansing.

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
Derived from vanilla bean; provides natural fragrance.

Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Derived from the rind of the fruit. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. It’s detoxifying beautiful citrus floral fragrance ensures your skin and mind will be refreshed.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Lavender oil has both aroma therapeutic and skin improving properties. It is useful to alleviate stress and anxiety. Headaches respond well to the application of lavender. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties have a balancing effect on the skin.

Aside from some rather exaggerated claims about the power of these extracts, we have only two minor concerns: First, there’s a possibility that the extracts in the formula could be irritating because citrus extracts are known to contain allergens. Second, Oopsy says they use purified water so they can use less preservatives. In fact, there are NO preservatives listed on their website so we’re left wondering exactly what they’re putting in the formula to keep bugs from growing.

The Beauty Brains bottom line

Technically speaking, this product looks like it does what it says it will. It’s a bit pricey at $18.00 per bottle, but if you can afford it for those special clean up occasions it may be worth a try.

What do YOU think? Do you have any favorite ways to clean your kid’s hair without throwing them in the bathtub? Leave a comment and share your tricks with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.